Mechanism for the quick hooking and unhooking of a handle, used particularly for fly screens and fly screen assemblies

ABSTRACT

A mechanism for quick hooking and unhooking of a handle, used particularly for fly screens and fly screen assemblies with a chain-operated movement. The invention includes a casing containing a rewind roll, a screen fastened to the rewind roll and a handle, and runners. The handle was a tubular profile with a hooking mechanism on one end. The hooking mechanism of the handle operates in conjunction with a reciprocal holder attached to a lower end of a runner.—.

DESCRIPTION

[0001] The aim of this invention is a mechanism for the quick hookingand unhooking of a handle, used particularly for fly screens and flyscreen assemblies made with this system.

[0002] The invention has particular, but not necessarily exclusive,application in the fixture accessories sector, such as fly screens,roller blinds and sun blinds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Fly screens are divided into two categories. The first type ismade to measure, manufactured according to the dimensions required for agiven client, delivered to the said client and installed by aspecialised installation technician. The other type is sold in kit form,and is the type that is most widely available on the market.

[0004] The latter type of fly screen is reasonably efficient andeconomic and is the type at which this invention is mainly aimed. Largequantities of components have to be fabricated and transported by themanufacturing companies, especially when dealing with overseas markets.The “do-it-yourself” concept is widely used and offers a product thatsatisfies most normal requirements, although it is not up to thestandards of the made-to-measure type.

[0005] Both of the examples mentioned have certain components in common,such as the casing, which is generally made from extruded aluminium bar.It is used to contain the rewind mechanism for the fly screen, rollerblind or sun blind, and the manual version has a corresponding loadedreturn spring. The ends of the casing are sealed by special plates orheaders, which are supplied in two different versions, a fixed type ortogether with counter-plates or caps that can be regulated.

[0006] There are obviously a number of variations, although they arevery similar to the systems described, and are just as common in flyscreens as in roller blinds and sun blinds. One of these variations is alower quality fly screen without the aforementioned return spring insideits mechanism. They differ from the first type in that they are manuallyoperated both for unwinding and rewinding the fly screen. In this case,there is a closed-loop chain that hooks around a cog fixed on therelative rewind roll contained inside a casing for unwinding andrewinding the fly screen, roller blind or sun blind in a controlledmanner.

[0007] These solutions foresee the fabrication of structures, forexample fly screens, which are made up as follows:

[0008] a casing that is closed at the ends by corresponding headers;

[0009] a rewind roll contained inside the said casing, supported at bothends, that is fixed to the ends of the casing;

[0010] a helicoidal torsion spring positioned co-axially, that works inconjunction with the said rewind roll;

[0011] a rod positioned co-axially to the said helicoidal spring;

[0012] a piece of material or cloth, either net type or for shadingpurposes, joined at one end to the rewind roll, and at the other end toa handle;

[0013] finally, two runners in which the two ends of the said handle andthe edges of the said material or cloth slide.

[0014] Especially with the type that has the rewind roll controlled bythe closed-loop chain mechanism, certain drawbacks have beenencountered. They are due to the fact that the material or cloth is onlyheld tight by the handle which is weighted. As a result, this type ofstructure has no means that acts upon the handle to counteract pressureexerted on the surface of the material or cloth. In fact, if thematerial or cloth is subjected to pressure on the surface, due to windsor a part of the body accidentally pushing against it, it is deformedaccording to the amount of pressure exerted, with the handle that islifted proportionally to the said deformation of the material or cloth.This deformation, which is usually unstable, produces a phenomenon thatis known as “sail effect” and which is the main cause of theaforementioned drawbacks.

[0015] Firstly, the efficiency of the material or cloth may becompromised because, especially with the cheaper fly screens, thelateral edges tend to come out of the runners to leave openings throughwhich insects or light may pass.

[0016] Secondly, because of the continuous effect of the wind whichblows in various directions, the fly screen may be noisy, an effect thatis increased by the sudden rubbing of the metallic components, due tothe back and forth movement or the lateral play of the handle inside itsrelative runners.

[0017] To overcome these and other drawbacks, some consumers choose flyscreens with two battens that slide horizontally rather than vertically.In this case, the material or cloth is wound by pulling the handle inone direction, and fixing it in position when it reaches its limit withvertically mobile fasteners, the ends of which go inside correspondingseats, usually positioned on the vertical runner. Since this type of flyscreen has two battens, both purchase price and installation costs arehigher. This is because two casings are usually required, each onepositioned along the two sides in order to fit out the two spaces. Alarge part of the cost, according to the individual supplier, depends onthe type of structure used which, operating in a different directioncompared with traditional methods, requires complex manufacturingoperations.

STATE OF THE ART

[0018] A fly screen known as Genius was recently put on the market,which was designed to overcome the aforementioned problems. It isparticularly used for horizontal fly screens, with the movement of therewind roll imposed by manual traction of a closed-loop chain. This typeof fly screen structure, used for doors with a large inter-axis, is madeup basically of:

[0019] a casing containing a rewind roll which is pre-charged by meansof at least one torsion spring;

[0020] a screen fastened at one end to the rewind roll, with a handle atthe other end;

[0021] runners in which the ends of the handle slide;

[0022] finally, a handle, the ends of which have holding means on thelower side that fit inside the runners.

[0023] The user, when unwinding the screen, pulls the closed-loop chainin one direction to carry out the lowering of the screen, until itsrespective handle reaches the limit at the base of the opening inquestion. When this position has been reached, in order to fasten thehandle and, therefore, the screen in a stretched position, the usercarries out a further pull so that the handle, made out of a rectangulartubular profile, rotates and inclines slightly on one side. In thisposition, pieces that protrude from the two ends of the handle interceptdedicated seats formed on the lower side of the runners, forcing thepieces to take up a certain position. At this point, the user releasesthe closed-loop chain so that the screen, which is under tension, pullsthe handle upwards to force it from a slightly inclined position into avertical position, forcing the pieces into corresponding recesses withstop points.

[0024] In order to release the handle and rewind the screen, thestructure has a type of pedal along the handle. The purpose of thispedal, which is located in a central position, is to co-operate with theaction applied to the closed-loop chain when it is pushed by the user.In particular, the user has to apply a slight pull downward on the chainwith one hand in order to move the screen, while pressing the pedal witha foot. The pressure applied in this way on the pedal obliges the handleto rotate on one side, releasing it from its holding point and, since itis now free, may be rewound due to elastic pull.

DRAWBACKS

[0025] The drawbacks regard the complicated manoeuvre that the user hasto carry out to release the handle so that the screen can be rewound,especially with fittings with a large inter-axis, for example the typewith a double batten.

[0026] This manoeuvre requires co-ordination and simultaneous use of ahand and a foot, which not everybody is able to do. The manoeuvrerequires the lifting of a leg, which is only possible if the person isnot disabled and the distance is short. When the fitting is larger, onthe other hand, the user has to almost be a contortionist, and it iscertainly not possible for everybody to carry this kind of manoeuvre,since it is difficult to reach the pedal with a foot, located at thecentre of the handle.

[0027] The difficulty is increased if we consider that the manoeuvre hasto be perfectly synchronised, and if it is not carried out correctly itis impossible to release the screen.

[0028] Secondly, and certainly not to be overlooked, regards theappearance of the system. With the system described above, in order torelease the screen efficiently, there has to be a pedal, which isvisible and may be an obstacle.

[0029] In view of the drawbacks mentioned above, alternative solutionsare obviously required and the aim of the invention described herein isto overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] This and other aims are achieved through the use of thisinvention according to the characteristics in the attached claims,solving the problems described by means of a mechanism for quick thehooking and unhooking of a handle, used particularly for fly screens andfly screen assemblies with a chain-operated movement, and that includes:

[0031] a casing containing a rewind roll that is pre-charged by means ofat least one torsion spring;

[0032] a screen fastened at one end to the rewind roll, with a handle atthe other end;

[0033] runners, in which the ends of the handle slide;

[0034] a handle with a tubular profile, with a hooking means on at leastone end that operates in conjunction with a reciprocal holding means,located at the lower end of the corresponding runner.

[0035] In the said holding means there is a block, which is fastened tothe lower end of one of the runners. The said block is open on one sideand has two surfaces that face each other that act as a guide with anentrance, an exit and an intermediate rest position. The said guide ishooked by a hooking means located at the end of the handle, and includesa guide piece, which longitudinally guides a mobile carriage. The saidcarriage has a protruding pin on at least one side that fits into atleast one of the two guide-tracks in the block.

ADVANTAGES

[0036] In this way, through the creative contribution of the system,which leads to an immediate technical progress, various advantages areachieved.

[0037] The first and, without a doubt, the most important advantage isthat the hooking and releasing operations of the handle, while keepingthe screen tight, are easier and more efficient. In order to unwind thescreen, the user has to simply operate with the chain as withtraditional systems to lower the handle down in the fitting in question,until a light resistance is felt. Upon continuing the operation, amechanical “click” is heard which means that the handle is now in placeand the protective effect desired is guaranteed.

[0038] To rewind the screen, the user has to simply apply a further,light pull on the chain so as to unhook the handle, and control themovement of the chain during the rewinding of the screen, which iscaused by the rewind spring that was put into tension during thelowering operation of the screen. No other part of the body is required,therefore, apart from the hands, an operation that is simple and thatcan be carried out by anybody, including old and most disabled people.

[0039] A second advantage is that the said mechanism is extremelyefficient for all types of fly screens and rewind screens in general,whatever the size of the fitting to be fitted out. This leads to arationalisation of components kept in stock by the manufacturers andsuppliers, leading to a reduction in overall costs.

[0040] A further advantage is that the pieces that protrude from thehandle are eliminated which, apart from increasing the cost of thecomponent, meant that it was anti-aesthetic and formed an obstacle.

[0041] These and other advantages will be shown in the followingdetailed description and drawings of at least one preferred applicationof the system, which is to be considered merely an illustration and nota limitation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042]FIG. 1 is a side view of a block fixed to the lower end of atleast one of the runners that guide the handle, in this case for avertical fly screen assembly.

[0043]FIG. 2 is a front view of the block illustrated in FIG. 1, fittedinto the lower end of a runner.

[0044]FIG. 3 is a plan view of the block illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0045]FIG. 4 is a vertical section along axis A-A in FIG. 3 of the sameblock illustrated in the previous figures.

[0046]FIG. 5 is a view of the same block with one of its sides removed,in order to illustrate the sequence of movements of the carriage insidethe guide-track.

[0047]FIG. 6 is a side view of the phase before the carriage/runnerassembly joined to the handle enters one of the counter-facingguide-tracks inside the guide block illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0048]FIG. 7 is a side view of the phase that follows the phase shown inFIG. 6, showing the carriage coming into contact with the surface thatacts as a guide.

[0049] FIGS. 8 to 10 show the successive phases of the movement of thecarriage inside one of the guide-tracks along the two sides of the saidblock.

[0050]FIG. 11 is a side view of the carriage/support mechanism in thehome position, which corresponds with the blocking of the lowered flyscreen handle.

[0051]FIG. 12 is the successive phase after further lowering the flyscreen and the handle, and that proceeds the partial release of thecarriage from the guide inside the block.

[0052]FIG. 13 is the phase that follows the phase illustrated in FIG.12, and corresponds to the fly screen and handle going upwards and itscomplete release of the carriage from the guide inside the block.

[0053]FIGS. 14 and 15 are, respectively, views of the side and the headof the carriage.

DESCRIPTION OF A TYPICAL APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] By referring to the illustrations, a vertical fly screen includesat least one runner (1) that acts as a guide fastened along eachvertical side of the fitting to be equipped, and a casing, made up ofextruded aluminium for example, positioned at the upper part, thatcontains the fly screen, roller blind or sun blind. Inside the saidcasing, there is a rewind roll. The said fly screen, roller blind or sunblind rewind roll has a rewinding mechanism which includes a torsionspring that, if rotated in one direction, and being held in position atone end, is stretched to allow the rewind roll to return to itsposition. The said mechanism also has, on at least one side, aclosed-loop chain which moves a rotating component inside the casing andthat is fastened to the rewind roll.

[0055] Going further into detail, one end of the fly screen, rollerblind or sun blind is fixed to the rewind roll, while the opposite endhas a handle (2), which has its ends inside the guide runners (1).

[0056] Each guide runner (1), in this case, has a block (3) at its lowerend made up of a monolithic body in low-friction plastic. The said block(3) is made up of three sides (31, 32, 33) at 90° C. to each other toform a “C” shape. One of the three sides (32) makes up the back part andrests against the inside back of the guide runner (1). The other two(31, 33) make up the sides of the block (3) and rest on the inner sidesof the guide runner (1). Each side (31) and (33) of the block (3) alsohas a guide track (4) on the surface that faces the opposite mirrorimage surface (31) and (33) of the block (3).

[0057] The said guide track (4), in this case, is formed by removingmaterial from the thickness of the side in question, in this case both(31, 33), in order to form a central zone around which the stepped-typeguide track (4) is formed. Going further into detail, the path is asfollows:

[0058] an entrance and exit (41) in common;

[0059] a first part is carried out diagonally (42) up to the verticalstop (43);

[0060] in correspondence with the vertical stop (43) there is anotherdiagonal portion above (44) that runs in the opposite direction to thefirst diagonal portion (42) up to the stop position (45);

[0061] a stop (45) defined by a portion that is perpendicular to a lowerdiagonal portion (46) that leads to the stop with a straight, verticalportion (47) to lead to the entrance/exit part (41) of the path (4).

[0062] The purpose of the said track (4) is to guide a longitudinallymobile carriage (5) that is part of the handle (2) during itsperpendicular movement. Going further into detail, inserted into eachend (21) of the tubular handle, there is a monolithic guide piece (6)that protrudes on one side (61) and slides along the inside of therunner (1). Each guide piece (6) has a seat, which permits the carriage(5) to slide longitudinally. In this case, the protruding side (61) ofthe guide piece (6) has a slit (62) on both sides along which theprotruding part (51) of the carriage (5) passes and slides, according toaxis (a1). Going further into detail, the extremity of the carriage (5)has two symmetrical counter-facing protrusions (51) which stick out fromthe sides of the guide piece (6). In this way, each protrusion (51), inthis case made up of a cylindrical piece that sticks out perpendicularlyfrom the sides of the carriage (51), follow a given path (4) formed onthe inside of the corresponding sides (31) and (33).

[0063] When operating the system, the user pulls down on a chain tolower the fly screen. The said chain rotates a rewind roll that isslightly pre-loaded by means of a spring. The rewind roll rotates andlets the fly screen, with its relative weighted handle (2), lower downdue to the force of gravity. The said handle (2) is positioned insidethe runners (1) by means of the protruding parts (61) of the guide piece(6), in order to operate the relative carriage (5) along the runner (1).When it gets close to the bottom, the handle (2) allows the user to feela slight impediment, given by the protruding parts (51) of the carriage(5) interfering with one of the surfaces of the path (4). The saidsurfaces, for example if the protruding parts (51) of the carriage (5)are not in line, may be either the diagonal part (441) of the centralzone, located immediately below the entrance (41), or the diagonal part(48) that is before the straight part (49) that leads towards lowerdiagonal part (43) which is part of the “stepped” guide track (4). Ifthe protrusions (51) of the carriage (5) are in line on the other hand,they intercept the lower diagonal part (42). When the said impediment isfelt, the user carries out a further pull towards the bottom, whichdetermines a further movement of the carriage (5) in order to follow theguide track (4) until it reaches the position illustrated in FIG. 9.This position corresponds with the lower limit and at this point theuser may release the chain. Since the net of the fly screen is forced toreturn upwards due to the pull of the return spring on the rewind roll,the handle (2) is also forced to return upwards, leading the protrusions(51) by means of the inclined surface (44) that lies above the stoppoint (43) into the seat (45) as shown in FIG. 11. When it is in thisposition, the handle (2) stays in a hooked position, with the net of thefly screen pulled tight.

[0064] In order to release the handle (2), the user has to pull thechain down which causes the handle (2) and, therefore, the guide piece(6) and relative carriage (5) to be lowered, until it reaches the lowerdiagonal part (46). In this position, the carriage (5) moves back inorder to unhook from the hooking piece, so that when the chain is slowlyreleased it causes the assembly to rise up along the vertical portion(47) until the protruding parts (51) of the carriage (5) come out fromthe entrance/exit (41) on the exit side.

1. Mechanism for the quick hooking and unhooking of a handle, usedparticularly for fly screens, characterised by the fact that at the end(11) of at least one of the guide runners (1) there is at least oneguide track (4) for a hooking means (5) that operates in conjunctionwith the handle (2), made up of an entrance and exit (41) and anintermediate rest position (45) the said guide (4) is hooked by ahooking means (5, 6) located at the ends of the handle (2) which slidesalong its relative runner (1), and which includes alongitudinally-mobile carriage (5), with the said carriage (5) having aprotruding pin (51) on at least one side that runs along the said guidetrack (4).
 2. Mechanism for the quick hooking and unhooking of a handleaccording to claim 1, characterised by the fact that the guide track (4)is formed along the inner surface (31, 33) of a block (3) fitted to theend (11) of the runner (1).
 3. Mechanism for the quick hooking andunhooking of a handle according to claims 1 and 2, characterised by thefact that the monolithic block (3) is made up of three sides (31, 32,33) at 90° to each other, and that two of the sides (31, 33) rest on theinner sides of the guide runner (1). Each side (31) and (33) of theblock (3) has a guide track (4) on the surface that faces the oppositemirror image surface (31) and (33) of the block (3).
 4. Mechanism forthe quick hooking and unhooking of a handle according to the previousclaim, characterised by the fact that the said guide track (4) is formedby removing material from the thickness of the side in question, in thiscase both (31, 33), in order to form a central zone around which thestepped-type guide track (4) is formed.
 5. Mechanism for the quickhooking and unhooking of a handle according to the previous claim,characterised by the fact that the said guide track (4) is as follows:an entrance and exit (41) in common; a first part is carried outdiagonally (42) up to the vertical stop (43); in correspondence with thevertical stop (43) there is another diagonal portion above (44) thatruns in the opposite direction to the first diagonal portion (42) up tothe stop position (45); a stop (45) defined by a portion that isperpendicular to a lower diagonal portion (46) that leads to the stopwith a straight, vertical portion (47) to lead to the entrance/exit part(41) of the path (4).
 6. Mechanism for the quick hooking and unhookingof a handle according to the previous claim, characterised by the factthat the said guide track (4) the inclined surface (44) lies above thestop point (43).
 7. Mechanism for the quick hooking and unhooking of ahandle according to the previous claim, characterised by the fact thatin correspondence with at least one end (21) of the handle, there is amonolithic guide piece (6) inserted; the said guide piece (6) protrudesfrom one side (61), and slides along the inside of the runner (1). 8.Mechanism for the quick hooking and unhooking of a handle according tothe previous claims, characterised by the fact that the said guide piece(6) has: a seat that permits the carriage (5) to slide longitudinally; aslit (62) along which the protruding part (51) of the carriage (5)passes and slides, according to axis (a1).
 9. Mechanism for the quickhooking and unhooking of a handle according to the previous claim,characterised by the fact that one end of the carriage (5) has twosymmetrical counter-facing protrusions (51) which stick out from thethickness of the guide piece (6). In this way, each protrusion (51), inthis case made up of a cylindrical piece that sticks out perpendicularlyfrom the sides of the carriage (51), follow a given path (4) formed onthe inside of the corresponding side (31) and (33) of a block (3). 10.Fly screen assembly with a mechanism for the quick hooking and unhookingof the handle, including: a casing containing a rewind roll that ispre-charged by means of at least one torsion spring; a screen fastenedat one end to the rewind roll, with a handle at the other end; runners,in which the ends of the handle slide; a handle with a tubular profile,with a hooking means on at least one end that operates in conjunctionwith a reciprocal holding means, located below the corresponding runner;characterised by the fact that the said holding means is made up of ablock (3), which is fastened to the lower end (11) of a runner (1). Thesaid block (3) is open on one side and has two surfaces that face eachother (4) that act as a guide with an entrance (41), an exit (41) and anintermediate stop position (45). The said guide (4) is hooked by ahooking means (5, 6) located at the end (21) of the handle (2), andincludes a guide piece (6), which longitudinally guides a mobilecarriage (5) The said carriage (5) has a protruding pin (51) on at leastone side that fits into at least one of the two guide-tracks (4) in theblock (3).
 11. Fly screen assembly with a mechanism for the quickhooking and unhooking of the handle according to the previous claim,characterised by the fact that the rewind roll is made to rotate atleast during the unwinding phase of the net by a chain.